We use analytics to improve Hijraah. Sign-in cookies stay either way.We use analytics to understand how people use Hijraah and improve it. This does not affect the cookies that keep you signed in. Those stay on either way. Privacy policy
Unofficial self-assessment · §20a/§20b AufenthG · as of 2026
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a job-seeker visa that lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Germany to look for work for up to 1 year; without needing a job offer first. There are two routes to qualify.
If your vocational or academic qualification is fully recognised in Germany, or you obtained it in Germany, you count as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) under §20a AufenthG. You can apply directly for the Skilled Worker visa; no points calculation required.
Score at least 6 points from the criteria below. Two gates must first pass: (G1) completed vocational training ≥2 years or an academic degree recognised in your country of origin; (G2) German ≥A1 or English ≥B2. Failing either gate means ineligibility regardless of points.
German language and work experience are each single-tier (highest applies, not cumulative).
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of foreign qualification (also waives Gate G1) | 4 |
| German language: single highest band: A2=1, B1=2, B2+=3 (A1=0; not cumulative) | up to 3 / حتى 3 |
| English C1+ or native (+1; stacks on German score) | +1 |
| Work experience: single tier: ≥5 yrs in last 7 yrs=3 pts (§20b(1) No.6); ≥2 yrs in last 5 yrs=2 pts; not cumulative | 2 or 3 / 2 أو 3 |
| Shortage occupation (Federal Employment Agency list) | 1 |
| Age: ≤35 = 2 pts; 36–40 = 1 pt; >40 = 0 pts | up to 2 / حتى 2 |
| Prior legal + continuous residence in Germany ≥6 months in last 5 years (study/language/work, not tourism) | 1 |
| Spouse/registered partner who also qualifies, co-applies at same German mission | 1 |
You must demonstrate €1,091 per month (€13,092 per year) via: a blocked account, 3-month bank statements, a Verpflichtungserklärung (sponsor declaration), or a part-time contract (≤20 h/week). This amount is updated annually; verify the current figure on make-it-in-germany.com.
Part-time work up to 20 hours/week. Two-week trial jobs (one per employer) to explore the labour market. No full-time employment. Card duration: up to 1 year.
Adjust the fields below: the verdict updates instantly. This is an unofficial tool; the binding calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
You do not yet meet the Opportunity Card requirements. Gate G2 requires German ≥A1 OR English ≥B2. This is an unofficial self-assessment — the binding calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
| Partial recognition of foreign qualification (§20b(1) sentence 2) | 0 |
| German language: A1 or none (0 pts — A1 is the language gate floor, not a scoring tier) | 0 |
| English: below C1 (0 pts — B2 satisfies the language gate but does not score) | 0 |
| Work experience: less than 2 relevant years (0 pts) | 0 |
| Occupation on the Federal Employment Agency shortage list (1 pt) | 0 |
| Age 30: ≤35 (2 pts) | +2 |
| Prior legal + continuous residence in Germany ≥6 months in last 5 years (study/language/work only — not tourism) (1 pt) | 0 |
| Spouse/registered partner who also qualifies and co-applies at same German mission (1 pt) | 0 |
This is an unofficial self-assessment only. Point values and the 6-point threshold are set by §20b(3) ordinance and can change; figures here are as of 2026. The binding official calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
The €1,091/month proof-of-funds figure is updated annually by the Federal Government: verify the current amount on make-it-in-germany.com before applying.